Libraries to hold Survivor themed scavenger hunts for students
The University of Florida's Marston Science Library is preparing to welcome summer B incoming freshmen in a whole new way. In addition to traditional orientation sessions, the librarians are planning two Survivor themed scavenger hunts designed to teach participants basic library use skills in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Held after regular hours, with appropriate theme music, the sessions present the following scenario to students: “Becalmed in the Tropics of Libra by Hurricane Albert, you and your team must confront teeming databases, negotiate with literate natives, and follow countless clues in order to find the resources you need to return to civilization…and cake.”
Students will be grouped into teams and will have about an hour to find the answers to about a dozen clues. The first team to find all the answers will receive prizes. Additional prize items will be randomly drawn for. Library staff will be on hand to offer tips and help-making sure that students finish with a basic understanding of how to best access library resources. “If nothing else, we want them to know that it’s ok to ask the librarians for help,” said Carrie Newsom and Chelsea Dinsmore, co-originators of the program.
The Library Survivor programs will occur on Friday, June 30 from 6:30-8:30 and on Sunday, July 2 from 5:30-7:30. Space is limited to about 25 students the first night and 50 the second. Interested students should arrive early and meet in the Marston Science Library Lobby. Free pizza, sodas, and dessert will be provided. More sessions are planned for the start of the fall semester along with the introduction of “Murder in the Stacks,” which will have more spaces available. Contact Carrie Newsom at 273-2863 or Chelsea Dinsmore at 273-0369 for more information.
The UF Libraries would particularly like to thank the University of Florida Bookstores for donating prizes and Tony & Pats Pizza for donating pizza for the events.
